Jackson does a great job of making them both better. Both characters are a bit of all that you mention. Thorin in the movie is much more likeable and thats needed I think in a movie like this. You can't have one of your main characters be a total jerk. Bilbo I think was easier to work with because while he is a bit of both of those he only needs to be slightly less to not be annoying.

That would be cool. You could maybe do something at the end of the third film as something for the EE version. It might be something the GA moan about because they didn't get how it worked within the universe.

Yes, you do. My Dad has been in the EMS service for like 25 years so I've seen my share of dumb people on the holidays.

I do not doubt your singing skills. You have all of that practice with the Misty Mountains tune! lol

Thorin was played very well by Armitage. He really brought out the character so well. The trolls were spot on as well. I actually enjoyed that scene better in the movie than in the book. That fight ROCKED! Typical of dwarves to hide some of the treasure they found for safe keeping. lol

That's what I was thinking too. It would be sad to see Balin get killed, but the facts are what they are. I would like to see the dwarves take back Moria one day. Dwalin would be too old, but if he had a son some day I could see him doing that. It would be an extra scene for a post LOTR film. Just being creative here.

I agree he did a fantastic job. He mixed the grumpy Thorin with the nicer parts so well and came across very Noble. I thought the Trolls were spot on as well. In the books they're big dorks up to some hi-jinx and in the movie they're the same (minus the snot part which I don't care for). That made me laugh the way Gloin said making a long term deposit.

Yeah, it would be. Visually it would be interesting to see it all go down besides just the imagination I've used for the many times I've read the books.

Gloin was pretty awesome with his staff! He was twirling that weapon around like it weighed nothing. Many goblins must have had migraines the following day. The worst part about it, they didn't have aspirin. lol

It's funny to see how much merchandise was produced revolving around the original 2 film plan. I noticed that many of the lego sets have elves and spiders, but alas, we won't be see any of them (minus the spiders that attacked Radagast) for quite a while.

My sis sent me these cool coasters from the Green Dragon for Christmas! She also bought me the glasses, but they arrived cracked so we're probably sending them back. Still, I give my sister mad props for her creativity.

Hey! It was good. Seemed short but thats probably just because its time to be back at work. lol How about you?

I thought that was Oin who used the staff in Goblin Town? Either way that's a good way to knock some heads when you've got pests all around you. :-P

Indeed! All that I saw at comic-con was dealing with the two film plan so I would be my life there was a rush to get as much back as they could. However, like you said some of it you couldn't fix. You had the Legolas/Tauriel figures that made it out and the Lego sets (I have the Yazneg/White Warg set). So while I'm glad its 3 parts and all that I wonder if the companies making products felt the same way.

Nice! Someday I will make it to NZ. The 3D Dwarven glasses? Those are pretty cool. I have a set thats still in the box. I don't plan on using them so they'll stay there. Heck yeah! That's awesome. My sister gives me some cash to put towards going to comic-con which is helpful and has gotten me some LOTR books in the past.

You're right, it was Oin. Sure, the guy may need a hearing aid, but he's still a warrior! lol I could see his hearing impairment leading to his death via the creature in the water outside of the mines of Moria. What a bummer!

As for Gloin, I would like to see more of him fighting in order to compare his combat style to that of Gimli. There's an idea for a future 2 pack - father and son. It would be cool to see Gimli, even if it weere at the end of the journey when all of the dwarves part from one another.

The companies producing the merchandise for The Hobbit were definitely thrown a curve ball. There are items in the market that aren't relative to what the public has seen from the films thus far. Though, I'm sure this 3 movie deal will bring in more money that the 2 movie set up would. Even if Legolas and Tauriel were released, TBD can always rerelease them when The Desolation of Smaug debuts. A third movie only means more opportunities for merchandise and a longer period to sell them.

NZ is a goal for me too! I was actually talking about Green Dragon drinking glasses, but I give you credit for scooping up the 3D Dwarven specs - NICE! Seems like your sister is also very cool. That was nice of her.

The nice thing is this is only a 4 day week for me. back to a five day week next week.

I thought so. You don't want to hack off the elderly. lol That's possible for sure. If he's that hard of hearing he wouldn't hear it coming for sure.

Yeah, we haven't gotten a good look at that. So I'm with you that seeing a bit more would be nice. I wouldn't have a problem with that 2 pack myself. I love Gimli.

It had I'd agree. You're planning for two movies and then BAM it's now three. lol agreed! Three movies just allows them to get more product out and for us to get more goodies. None of which I have a real issue with.

Got ya. lol I have NZ on the brain. loll yeah, they're cool. Nothing special but for $10 it wasn't a big hit. She's not bad. Just don't tell her.

From what I know of how the dwarves perished, I would say that Ori had the worst. Being trapped in Moria, looking at Balin's tomb, just waiting for the goblins to break in. That's a pretty tense and scary situation to be in. I would have liked Gandalf to have made some reference of Nori in LOTR when he found his remains. They may have not known each other on a super personal level, but they went on An Unexpected Journey together.

Gimili is quite a character. Though the elves are graceful and wise, the dwarves seems to be a much more vibrant race. I really did enjoy thw banter back and forth between Legolas and Gimli in LOTR. I'd like to see more of that with the eleves and dwarves in The Desolation of Smaug.

From all of this 3 movie business and the more products that will be created because of it, I would hope that the manufacturers could get the items out faster. In my opinion, TBD is lagging here. I don't expect the next line up to be on the shelves so quick, but it's been quite some time since we've seen or heard of any new products coming to the market for 2013. Saying, "Summer 2013" is grand, but what can we expect?

Well, this weekend is only two days. Monday was a work day for us but the kids had it off. Its still a nice 4 day week since the "actual" work week started yesterday.

I agree. Knowing your death is coming would be terrible. I'm surprised Tollkien didn't write something in that sequence or in the appendicies that made mention that Gandalf says something about the others being here or at least about Ori since he may have been the one holding the book. However, if it had been a long time since they last met he may have not recognized what was left going off what we saw in the movies.

Love Gimli! Yeah, I thought it was great and matches the banter that you get in the book. The whole number counting scene at Helm's Deep happens in the book (a little differently but it happens). I expect you'll get some of that for sure.

I understand. I'm sure the switch slowed some down for sure. Thing is with the stuff from Weta, GG, Noble, all of those I'm sure take a lot of time because of all the sculpting. TBD stuff might not take as long but to produce enough could be an issue. They just make cool stuff so the waiting sucks. :(

I suppose. I know The Hobbit was 60 years before the LOTR journey began, but Bilbo makes his references to the Lonely Mountain. It would have been nice if Gandalf had done something similar. Even Frodo mentions how Gandalf is labeled a "disturber of the peace" in The Shire. Frodo wasn't there back then! lol Still, we all know where that title stems from.

Having the dwarves battle in competition and count their kills would be most comical. Though, I'm sure it would be a challenge to keep up with all 12 of them. lol Bombur might come in last, as he typically does in the book.

Dude, the waiting is horrible! At least throw us some pics, or a list, and make the items available for preorder. There are too many fans for this to drag out. I actually preordered the Goblin King Battle Playset yesterday without knowing what will be included. I have my hopes high!

I know. It would have been a nice tie in back then just to reference other characters in Middle-earth but its something Tolkien didn't do either so I guess Jackson not doing it is the same. Would have been cool for them both for sure.

It would be cool but I can already here people saying that this is just copying off something we already saw in The Lord of the Rings and its not in the book. So sadly to save us some of that it might be best to aboid the isue. lol He would for sure. I saw some people say they didn't like that Jackson poked a little fun at him in AUJ and all I thought was Tolkien does the same thing several times over the 300 pages of the novel. Give me a break.

A list for PO would be a good thing and would at least allow for some new discussion on where this line is headed. Fresh thoughts and all. Nice! I'll stick to a few of the single releases from here on out because The Hobbit stuff from Weta (as well as their The Lord of the Rings stuff) and GG I expect will kick into higher gear soon and Sideshow is also getting into The Hobbit on top of their The Lord of the Rings stuff.

Agreed. I just feel like certain occurrences should go unnoticed or unrecognized.

Some people (both fans and nonfans) get too touchy with certain topics. Men and elves come off as so serious. It's a good mix to have Dwarves and Hobbits to bring comedy into the tales. Of course, I am an adventure seeker with most films. Still, I always welcome the comdey relief.

Exactly! If I had my selections for TBD Wave 2, I would include in the 3 3/4 inch line;

I totally understand that. I always love info that brings all of Middle-earth together.

Totally agree. Both sides can get a little over the top with things be it a nonfan, fan, or purist. I think how Tolkien created the races and how Jackson has shown them on screen makes for one of the most ineresting universes on the planet.

I love those choices myself. I'd take any of them to be honest. Only thing I'd add to those is a generic Elf soldier from Mirkwood and Rivendell. Those new elf designs are awesome.

From Weta I want Bombur - We saw him at comic-con so I'd like to see him soon. Azog Galadriel in that silver outfit :) Elrond in Armor Radagast Any of the rest of the Dwarves Yanzeg Goblin King Grinnah Goblin Scribe

The characters/creatures from The Hobbit and LOTR definitely stand for uniqe creartivity. The only stories that are up there with them in my book is Star Wars and possibly Harry Potter. Wookies RULE! lol Plus, I always thought being able to turn yourself into a dog was pretty neat!

Generic Elf soldier - good call. I hope it's a two pack! Perhaps a captain and a soldier or 2 soldiers. We might see that right before or after the TDOS. I'm really curious to see Bard when he is released from TBD. I know I'm getting ahead of myself here, but TBD fell behind in my book so whatever. lol

Excellent choices for WETA! I remember the pics for Bombur. They did a nice job with him.

It was good. Helped my sister move into her apartment other than that just tried to chill. U?

Very much so. That universe is the most amazing of the worlds I like to jump into. SW and HP are both very cool looking I think. Even if you don't care for the stories the worlds and characters are just cool to look at.Chewie is pretty cool. I'm more of a Jedi type fan though.

Would make sense at the smaller scale to do a 2-pack. You could do various kinds of 2-packs to be honest with different elfs and even Thranduril, Legolas, and Tauriel included. Well, we got that picture from EW so at least we know the direction they took the character. I hear ya. I want to at worst see whats coming so I know what I might want.

Thank ya! :) Yeah, Weta is doing a superb job I think of making these statues come to life. Can't wait to get Bombur.

Sounds like you're a good brother. I went on a date and it was a lot of fun! I also hung out with my parents and friends, which is always cool.

Agreed. Chewie = LEGENDARY! lol I think the most I've learned about the personalities, characteristics, and the ways of the jedi came out by watching Clone Wars (the cartoon). Thus far, I'd have to say that Plo Koon is my favorite. Quinlan Vos is pretty cool too. Who is yours?

As for HP, I've always admired Sirius Black and Mad Eye Moody. Popco Entertainment made excellent versions of them years back, but the figures were only sold in the UK, I believe. I managed to get my hands on some. I also snagged an AWESOME centaur 2 pack!

Yea, I was also referring to the 3 3/4 TBD line. I'd like to see a Thranduril and Elf Guard 2 pack, now that you mentioned him. TBD could make a 5 figure elf pack including Thranduril, Elrond, Galadriel, Legolas, and Tauriel. I'm sure collectors would want to scoop that up.

The CW I think really has made SW better by giving depth to the world that is Star Wars. I'm an Obi-Wan fan and I like Darth Maul.

Sirius is a pretty cool character. I've got all the book and I really should read them just to get the full depth of the world but the movies are pretty darn fun to just enjoy it that way. GG has made some cool HP stuff over the years. I have a friend who has all the busts and they look really good together.

Yeah, that would be a pack that would be pretty cool to get. Legolas and Tauriel would be re-dos but thats not a big deal as its been done before in many lines when you do multi-pack figures. It also helps save money which I don't have a problem with.

Agreed. Dude, did you see CW Season 4? I don't want to spoil it for you if you haven't, but you are going to watch that if you are an Obi-Wan and a DSarth Maul fan. I really enjoy the expansion into character depth as well as many of the new characters that were added to the mix.

To have all of those HP busts must be splendid! Kudos to your friend. I never read those books either, but the movies are PHENOMINAL! Maybe I'll read the tales someday.

See, I'm cool with redos to a certain extent. I would prefer new attire or new weapons, if possible. It's like when TBD made the collectors pack featuring Thorin, Dwalin, Kili, Fili, and Bilbo. I felt that was a waste for collectors because if you wanted Balin (who is AWESOME) then you'd have to buy the Balin/Dwalin 2 pack anyway. Why invest in that when there is really nothing to add except another form of display for your collection? If there was a unique figure in the set, different, weapons, or even the same characters with different clothes, I could see the item being worth while.

I have not. I need to buy the BR first. I didn't get it for X-Mas so its up to me now. lol I know Maul is in it which I like because he getting "killed" during the movie sucked because he could have been a cool character going forward.

Its pretty cool looking but I know some of it has been a pain with some of them being hard to get. Well, at least I'm not alone. lol

Yeah, I don't have a problem with them as a whole. Only when it the only way to get 1 figure is when I have an issue. I had that collectors pack on order but decided to cancel because I didn't need doubles of everyone since I could get them all seperately. Agreed! I don't double dip unless it makes total sense $$ wise and collecting wise.

Check this site out and you can vote for some of The Lord of the Rings items and The Hobbit items.

Darth Maul is a very cool character. Though, these sith apprentices typically don't last too long. lol The CW does provide a solid background into Maul's species, which I think you will find interesting. It's difficult not to give you a few spoilers, but I'm holding back! lol

On the collecting front, you know you are not alone. lol I've been picking up Clone Troopers from all different areas. I'd like to continue The Hobbit TBD collection, but alas, we are restricted at the moment. I did receive Thorin's map from Weta, which is AWESOME!

That's what I mean. The collectors pack did not make any sense! If these companies have resources, put them to good use. Think of all of the figures they could have produced with that set?! For Wave 1, it would have been appropriate to have Thror, Thranduril, Elrond, Galadriel, and Radagast. In my opinion, that would have been an ideal collectors pack without including duplicate figures. Which 5 would you put in there if it were up to you?

Its cool. I don't mind the spoilers to be honest since I don't know when I'll get a chance to see this show. So you can say a few things and it won't bother me a bit.

No, that's for sure. Its amazing how many people do collect this stuff. Yeah, its all quite on the TBD front for a little longer it seems. Nice! Glad you like the Map. Its pretty sweet.

I'm with ya. If you're going to do a collectors pack then I'd make 4 of the 5 figures new figures or something like that. Kind of force collectors to have to get those packs for make them quite a bit cheaper than the regular packs if you're going to use figures in regular packs. That way someone could say that I'm gonna save big by getting a CP and then buy more of other stuff that they might not have.

Well, in just a generic 5 pack of figures I'd probably go with what you mentioned. That way you can save some of the Dwarves for wave 2 and give people something to look forward to when that wave hits the shelves. Also, you could go with the elf packs of soliders and Elrond, Soldiers and Thranduril, Azog and Orcs, Yanzeg and Orcs. Something like that. lol

Happy Friday, Elessar! My paws are crossed that you have a 3 day weekend!

Well, since you don't mind...lol Darth Maul's brother, Savage Opress, receives some sith training and eventually finds Darth Maul. However, the lower half of his body is mechanical due to Kenobi cutting him in half, and Maul is fairly insane. lol Savage helps his brother get well. Then, they join Death Watch (Mandalorian Warriors) with the goal of killing Obi-Wan Kenobi. It is a really interesting show.

That makes sense. Why would collectors spend more money on a set of figures with unnecessary duplicates when they have to buy them separately in order to get Balin? Plus, it's not like it's an army builder pack or anything. I just don't see the advantages of producing this item from a collector standpoint, kid standpoint, or business standpoint. It is so agitating when these companies waste opportunities!

Wave 2 better be AWESOME after all of this waiting! lol I would totally pick up an Elrond and Elven Warrior 5 pack or an Azog and Orc Warrior 5 pack. TBD should make Yanzeg in the 3 3/4 line. They could even turn it into a beast pack and throw a Warg in there.

Thank you and back at ya. I do. We're off Monday so I can enjoy the weekend a little more. :) Hope you get to do the same.

Interesting! I knew about Savage Opress finding Maul just from what another friend had said but that does sound intersting. I don't mind that Maul survived the fight with Kenobi since I didn't think they did enough with Maul in the first place. Should be fun to catch up on the finding of Maul and seeing what happens with him in this fifth season. Speaking of Maul I got a statue from Sideshow in their Star Wars Mythos line of statues. My plan is to take pictures this weekend. I'll share a few of them here.

Balin was a big reason I didn't buy the pack. I don't want doubles of Dwalin or any of the basic Dwarves since I'm just trying to get 1 of each really. If I was army building say Orcs, Elves, or generic Dwarves it would be one thing but I don't really need 3 of the main good guy. I think the only 3 3/4 figure I ended up with doubles may have been Gandalf since that was the only way to get Bolg. I agree we need Yazneg in the figure line here in the states. You can get him in the UK but I've not even seen any on ebay when I've checked. I'd imagine we'll get him in wave 2 though. A beast pack with him is a really good idea.

It's interesting to wonder what the galaxy would have been like if Darth Maul and Savage Opress defeated Darth Sidious. What would be the fate of Anakin Skywalker? I do like how we get to see Skywalker slowly turning to the dark side of The Force. I know the jedi have a code, but like Anakin, some of the rules don't always make sense to me. I don't know if I would be as bold to break them like he does, however.

We're on the same page there. I passed on the individual 3 3/4 Gandalf and just bought the 2 pack with Bolg. I can understand why TBD would make individual and 2 packs with Thorin, Bilbo, and Gandalf as they are main characters. Yet, making Grinnah as solo only doesn't add up in my mind. He could have easily been made as a Goblin army builder 2 pack or even put in the set with Thorin and the Goblin King.

My sister was in touch with this artist that made a few drawings for her. I actually was working with the artists to sketch a drawing of me and a few of the dwarves. It was completed and it looks awesome! I'll send you a copy of it later.

Went and saw Zero Dark Thirty. I thought it was pretty good and something I will buy on blu. Other than that I just watched football and enjoyed the ability to be able to relax. How about U?

I would think Anakin would have stayed as a Jedi and the OT would have played out a lot differently. I agree that some of the rules you see the Jedi use in the PT really do help force Anakin to the Dark Side. However, he should know better and know what he's doing is right. Thus allowing himself to not be pulled into the lies he is being told.

He would have made for a good Goblin 2-pack. Especially since we only got him in wave one. You could have done Grinnah and the scribe character and made for a very simple set people could get.

I saw the drawing. That's very cool and it looks awesome. Kudos to your sister for finding someone like that.